Canada vs Ireland: Which is Better Students in 2025?

Selecting a country for studying abroad is a relatively tough call. In this article, we will inform you about Ireland vs Canada. You will be able to compare both countries and decide which one is suitable for pursuing higher studies. We will also discuss Ireland or Canada which is better for living.

Popular Courses in Canada vs Ireland

There is no doubt that Canada and Ireland both are best countries to study abroad for Indians. Universities of both countries offer a wide range of courses related to various streams. Universities of Ireland are famous for business, biotechnology and pharmaceutical-related studies. On the other hand, Canadian universities offer courses related to business administration, engineering, computer science, and healthcare. Jobs related to these sectors are in the list of high-paying jobs in Canada.

While both countries offer high-quality education, students may choose based on career goals, industry presence, and post-study work opportunities. Check out the popular courses in Canada and Ireland below:

Also Read:

• Top 5 UG courses in Canada
• Top 5 Post Graduate courses in Canada
• Popular Vocational Courses in Canada

Top Universities in Canada and Ireland 2026

Based on QS - World University Ranking 2026, the following Canadian universities and Irish universities have made it to the top rankings. Check out the table below:

How to Get Admission in Ireland vs Canada 

Admission eligibility in Canadian and Irish universities is somewhat similar but differs in several key areas. The basic criteria for Indian students are to score well in English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. For undergraduate programs, a strong academic record in Class 12th is required. For postgraduate courses, a relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades is essential.

Below, we have mentioned the country-wise eligibility criteria for Canada and Ireland:

Eligibility Criteria for Studying in Canada

The concept of cutoffs does not apply to Canadian colleges. Colleges provide the average scores accepted for different courses on their websites. Also, it is important to get a Canadian student visa. If the visa officer is unsure of your spoken skills, they may not grant you the visa.

Read: Eligibility Requirements for Studying in Canada

Eligibility Criteria for Studying in Ireland

For each course, a minimum academic score of 60% and above in Standard XII is required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured around 50%. Here is eligibility for studying in Ireland:

Cost of Studying in Canada vs Ireland

Compare the cost of studying UG and PG courses in the universities of Ireland and Canada. 

Cost of Studying an Undergraduate Program in Canada vs Ireland

Cost of Studying a PG Program in Canada vs Ireland

(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)

Also Read:

• Cost of Studying in Canada
• Cost of Studying in Ireland
• Cost of Living for International Students in Ireland

Canada vs Ireland: Student Visa

Compare the student visa rules of Ireland vs Canada for international students.

Canada Student Visa

The Canadian student visa has the following regulations -

• You will have to apply for a post-graduation work permit within 180 days of finishing your studies.
• The visa application process to Canada requires a compulsory medical test for Indian applicants.
• Spouses can also work full-time his/her stay is for a year or more.
• It costs CAD$ 150 to apply for this visa.
• You cannot work more than 24 hours per week. During holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, the student may work full-time. Check out, solution for Canadian student visa rejection.

Ireland Student Visa

• International students are required to apply for an Ireland Study Visa if they are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study for more than 3 months.
• Applicants would be required to show funds of at least €7,000 in their bank account at the time of applying for the study visa. This amount equals the cost of living in Ireland for an international student for one academic year.
• Also, you need to be able to prove that you or your parents/sponsor will be able to provide at least €7000 for each year of your studies, in addition to the course fee.
• Holding a valid stamp 2 means you will be permitted to work for 20 hours per week during the academic session, and 40 hours per week during the months of May, June, July, and August, and from 15th December to 15th January. These are the vacation times in Ireland so the time allowed to work increases during the vacations.

Post Graduate Work Visa in Canada vs Ireland

• Canada: The Canadian Post Graduation Work Visa allows students who are graduating from any post-secondary institute to work post-studying for up to a time period depending on the duration of their course to a maximum of three years. Under this work permit, the student can work in any field or industry.
• Ireland: Once you have finished your studies in Ireland, you may wish to stay back a little longer and consider taking up a job to gain invaluable work experience. If you are enrolled as a full-time student, with an Irish-accredited degree, and have the Visa Stamp 2 you may qualify for the Third Level Graduate Scheme. The steps to the process are as follows –

A new visa stamp – Stamp 1G – is now granted to foreign graduates who are authorised to work under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. Therefore, if you are granted Stamp 1G you don’t need to separately apply for a visa extension.

Popular Jobs in Canada and Ireland

Having a great job opportunity is the top reason to attract foreign students to study. Students choose to study abroad to get a job with a good salary. Compare the jobs in Canada and Ireland to understand which one is better for you.  

Jobs in Canada

Jobs like nurse practitioners, program analysts, teachers, pharmacists, financial managers, construction managers, etc., are some of the most sought-after positions in Canada. Some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada are for mid-senior level positions. According to Glassdoor, the range of average salaries in Canada is CAD 40K - CAD 73 K (INR 24,54,000 to INR 44,78,550) per year. 

Read: Popular Job Sectors in Canada

Jobs in Ireland

Jobs in fields like agriculture, mining, forestry & fishing, pharmaceutical and medical technology industries, software and ICT industries, financial service industry, and export and trade industry are some of the top job industries in Ireland.

Read: Popular Job Sectors in Ireland

Scholarships to Study in Canada and Ireland

Scholarships are the most preferred way for students to finance their studies. Both Canada and Ireland offer a variety of scholarships for international students. These scholarships are offered by the government, universities, and some private organisations. We have mentioned country-wise scholarship information below.

Scholarships to Study in Canada

There is a limited number of popular scholarships in Canada that are available for international students as compared to other countries. The reason behind this is already low tuition fees at colleges. Since most of the students going to Canada have to pay the lowest tuition fees, colleges and organisations don’t have many scholarships open for the students. For a list of scholarships in Canada.

• Shastri Research Student Fellowship
• Hani Zeini Scholarship
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
• Humber International Entrance Scholarships

Check out: Scholarships to Study in Canada

Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Ireland has, over time, become one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for international students and for the right reasons. To encourage the flow of foreign nationals for education, the country, along with Irish universities has announced several scholarships for the benefit of international students.

Check Out: Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Ireland vs Canada: Climate

The weather in Canada varies widely depending on where you are. Canada stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, covering five time zones. Ireland's climate is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, so the warm ocean currents keep temperatures mild. In the spring and summer (May to July) the average temperature is between 64°F and 68°F (17°C and 20°C). Below, we have mentioned a table where you can monthly temperature range in Canada and Ireland:

For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.

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